NEW KEEPER - Marcus Hahnemann is looking to kick-off his Royals career with a good display at Brighton

New keeper Marcus Hahnemann is determined to make an impressive debut for Royals in their Division 2 top-of-the-table clash with Brighton at the Withdean Stadium tonight (7.45) as he is already talking of making a permanent move.

The 6ft 3in American international, who has joined on a month's loan, said: "Being third-choice keeper at Fulham is not the best, so when this opportunity came up there was no way I was going to turn it down.

"Reading is a big club, it's definitely a step in the right direction," he told readingfc.co.uk.

Hahnemann, who kept five clean sheets in seven games when on loan to Rochdale in October and November, added: "My contract with Fulham is up at the end of the season, so there are a few different scenarios and this is a good loan for me because it might give me a chance to make a permanent move."

Hahnemann can expect a baptism of fire tonight as he will be up against Bobby Zamora, who is bidding to score in his 10th successive game while adding to his season's tally of 18 goals.

It is an important game for these two promotion-chasing sides.

If Peter Taylor's men win they will go six points clear at the top - at least until tomorrow afternoon - but a Royals victory would lift them to second place, a point behind Brighton.

"It is a very big game for us," said Alan Pardew. "It will be a nice place to go and get a result."

Pardew is confident that the arrival of the experienced 29-year-old keeper will help steady a defence which leaked six goals in their two cup defeats last week.

And Royals' boss said they will be going to Brighton looking for maximum points.

"Only a few clubs look to win every game and we are one of them. That's the approach we have at every game.

"They (Brighton) are very similar to us and it's going to be a real battle of wills and power. It is going to be a tough call for us but if we win we are going to be in a nice position."

In addition to Hahnemann making his debut, Pardew will be making other changes following last Saturday's FA Cup defeat at York.

The fit-again Adrian Whitbread is set to return to replace the injured Adi Viveash at the heart of the defence while loan-star John Salako, who was not allowed to play in the cup by his club Crystal Palace, is recalled.

There has also been an injury doubt over striker Nicky Forster, who damaged his foot in training.

Brighton, beaten only twice in the league, await fitness checks on Gary Mayo, who injured his knee in training, and Gary Hart.

Included in their squad is 18-year-old striker Danny Webb, son of former Chelsea star Dave.

Taylor, whose side have gone 10 matches without defeat, said: "It would be nice if we get a win. We would go six points clear and this would put other teams under pressure when they play tomorrow.

"I have told my players they are in good form and we have got to take advantage of that as quickly as we can."

Seagulls haven't lost since they were beaten 2-1 by visitors Brentford on October 5. Squads: